Overview & Reviews

The Ford Expedition is a full-size sport-utility vehicle based on Ford's popular full-size pickup truck platform. With rear- or four-wheel drive and seating for as many as nine adults, the Expedition has long been on the short list of vehicle choices for full-size families as well as anyone who needs the combination of versatility and grunt provided by a large SUV.

Big, tall and heavy, the Ford Expedition is every inch a truck, its large body wrapped around a comfortable and spacious cabin. The latest generation of the Expedition doesn't feel as cumbersome to drive as its extravagant dimensions and hefty weight suggest, but you'll still be reminded of just how full-size the Expedition is at the gas pump. In many cases, a large crossover SUV would be a better new or used vehicle choice given the advantages in fuel economy, handling and comfort. And if you really need something big and tow-worthy, other traditional SUVs like the Chevy Suburban are also worth a look.

Current Ford Expedition
The current Ford Expedition is offered in two lengths -- standard and EL -- and three trim levels: XLT, Limited and King Ranch. The EL has a 12-inch longer wheelbase and nearly 15 inches of additional overall length. The biggest reasons to consider the EL are the massive cargo space behind the third-row seat (more than twice that of the standard Expedition) and the longer rear doors that ease entry into the third row.

All Expeditions are powered by a 5.4-liter V8 that produces 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. As with most full-size SUVs, the Expedition is offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The well-equipped XLT comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, air-conditioning, a power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seat, Ford's voice-operated Sync system, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an iPod/USB interface and rear audio controls. Limited highlights include 20-inch polished wheels, a rearview camera, a power liftgate and a leather-lined, truly luxurious interior. The King Ranch adds special two-tone paint, unique wheels, upgraded leather upholstery and wood accents. Options include a load-leveling rear suspension, navigation, heated and cooled seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The Ford Expedition features fold-flat second-row seats as well as available power-folding third-row seatbacks that together create a wide, flat cargo floor. Families with infants will appreciate the sliding center position of the second-row seat, which can bring a child in a safety seat up to 11 inches closer to the front-seat passengers.

In reviews we've found Ford's full-size SUV pleasant to drive for a big SUV thanks to precise steering and a comfortable ride quality. In most situations, the 5.4-liter V8 provides decent performance. Take on a full load of passengers and cargo or hitch up a large trailer, however, and the engine's weakness becomes all too apparent. Shoppers who expect to regularly fill the cabin with passengers and/or tow heavy loads might want to consider the Ford's few rivals, which offer more available power.

Used Ford Expedition Models
The current, third-generation Ford Expedition is the product of a major refresh conducted for 2007. However, whereas previous-generation Expeditions could hold up to nine passengers, the current generation holds only eight, due to standard front bucket seats. Changes have been minimal; the most notable occurred for 2009 when the Expedition got Ford's Sync multimedia voice control system, and the following year, when trailer sway control was added.

The second-generation Ford Expedition was introduced for the 2003 model year. Compared to the current generation, the styling was different and a less stiff chassis resided underneath. Ride and handling were not as good, and the standard automatic transmission had only four gears. There were also fewer available features, including three-row side curtain airbags. However, compared to its predecessor, this Expedition was a vast improvement -- specifically in regards to driving dynamics, thanks to its independent rear suspension. It was also the first SUV to offer power fold-into-the-floor rear seats, a feature that its General Motors rivals wouldn't receive for more than a decade.

Engines for this second-generation model consisted of a 232-hp 4.6-liter V8 and a 260-hp 5.4-liter V8. For 2005, Ford dropped the smaller engine and increased the 5.4-liter V8's output to 300 hp. The model line eventually proliferated from four trim levels at its debut (including an off-road version called FX4) to six for 2006, including the opulent, western-themed King Ranch edition. Safety-minded shoppers should know that all years of this generation came with stability control, with tire-pressure monitors becoming available with the 2004 models.

In reviews, we thought this Expedition competed favorably with its contemporary competitors from General Motors, Nissan and Toyota. If there was one area of contention -- especially in pre-'05 models -- it was a lack of muscle. On the whole, though, this edition of Ford's big SUV provided solid handling for a vehicle of its size. It still felt like a big SUV, but the steering was decently weighted and body roll was well controlled around turns. The ride could be a tad harsh on rough roads, but overall, it was a comfortable cruiser.

Launched for the 1997 model year, the original Ford Expedition was met with heaps of praise. Its dimensions fell between those of the short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions of the GM sport-utilities at the time, enabling it to both accommodate a third-row seat and fit inside a normal garage, albeit tightly. With a front bench seat, it could carry up to nine passengers.

The first-generation Ford Expedition came in just two trim levels: XLT and the more luxurious, two-tone Eddie Bauer. Both featured interior architecture that was nearly identical to the F-Series pickup, which offered good ergonomics but was rendered in lamentable materials. Its 215-hp 4.6-liter and 230-hp 5.4-liter V8 engines also could not keep up with the stronger motors from its primary competitors, a deficiency that was addressed in 1999 with a horsepower bump for both engines, of 25 and 30, respectively.

User Reviews:

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  Happy Owner - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By Happy Owner - August 6 - 5:00 pm

  I usually get a new car every 2 years. I have kept this one longer than any other. We have three active boys. We have taken 3 cross country trips without any problems. The VHS entertainment package is a life saver on those trips. The 4.6L engine has enough power to haul trailers, boats and horses.

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  Big Safe Luxurious and Thirsty - 2002 Ford Expedition
  By thirstyButSafe - August 5 - 6:05 am

  This vehicle was in my family since new bought two new ones to get fleet discount. Wife and I just bought one of them from family. We were looking at BMW 5 series for safety and sportiness and at other sports sedans. We tried this out and were sold immediately. Entertainment package keeps kids happy and quiet. It is like a moving living room, comfy and safe. Steel girders in doors for side impact. "Handsome" styling. We said we would never buy one but once we drove it we loved it. Very easy for my petite wife to drive, drives like much smaller vehicle. Very luxurious inside and a lot of room. We are on CA freeways and I never worry about my wife and kids being safe in this thing. It is a luxury liner

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  REVIEWONE - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By DBMARIE - August 2 - 2:00 am

  DRIVES WELL, COMPARED TO OTHER SUVS; SOME ARE "TOP HEAVY", ENABLING GOOD STEERING.

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  Owner of three Expeditions - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Emile - August 2 - 2:00 am

  As owner of three expeditions I can actually say this 2004 is the biggest disappointment of the three. The one thing I do like is the power third row seat. As a woman I hate the storage in the front seats. The storage in the doors is useless. You cant get a map out without opening the door, and whats with the cup holders in the door that you cant see let alone reach. Please give me back my 2002 expedition.I also dont like not having the middle arm rest in the second row seats.

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  WHATS THAT LEAKING - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By THOMAS - August 2 - 1:06 am

  At about 44,900 miles noticed fluid under the truck, dealership had to rebuild the transmission. The truck does not get driven hard. Thank goodness for the extended warranty. Will be trading in because I can not trust the vehicle anymore.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By Judissi - August 2 - 12:08 am

  This is my 2nd Expedition and I love it. Bought the Eddie Bauer over the Tahoe and Yukon mainly because of the reliability of my 1st one and the power 3rd row seat. I wanted that seat but would have to lift in and out too much. The power fold is the best option Ford has come up with! Great ride, great visibility, great looking vehicle.

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  Great Value - 2006 Ford Expedition
  By chris - July 30 - 8:32 pm

  I love this vehicle, I feel safe with the family riding in it and you dont feel cramped up after long road trips. Ford has come along ways in the past years and I plan to stick with them.

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  4WD Towing machine - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Mitch - July 26 - 10:15 pm

  Great vehicle for pulling my 2300 lb. boat and for hauling people around. We have gone all over America on trips in this. Always dependable. Good job on Fords part, an excellent truck.

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  Comfort, Power and Style - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By navyman - July 24 - 1:49 am

  This is my 4th Ford. I think Ford has a very good quality product. This is a new milestone for me, my first automatic tranny Ford. I bought this truck used in Jan 04 for my wife to drive and it had only 15K miles on it and it was still under factory warranty. Currently: 43K miles. We have driven it on long trips (12 hours+) about 8 times and it makes the trip go so smoothly. The ride is very comfortable and is a real pleasure to drive. I have never had this vehicle leave my wife or me stranded. I LOVE the power and low end torque. I am very pleased with this vehicle. Maintenance: transmission flush $187 oil $360. Repairs: power mirror switch and bubbling paint on hood (warranty)

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  I Luv my Expeditions - I have 2! - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By dixie14 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a 1987 Expedition in Fla & thought it was great so I replaced my 10 year old Ford Bronco with a 2003 Expedition in Michigan. I absolutely love this vehicle. The warning back up feature is fantastic & it handles just great. Im a small female driver & wouldnt even think of having anything else. My friend says it has more features on it than the space shuttle.